WallStSmart

Cisco Systems Inc (CSCO)vsMedtronic PLC (MDT)

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Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Cisco Systems Inc generates 66% more annual revenue ($59.05B vs $35.48B). CSCO leads profitability with a 18.8% profit margin vs 13.0%. CSCO appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.32. CSCO earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 70/100 (B-).

CSCO

Strong Buy

70

out of 100

Grade: B-

Growth: 6.7Profit: 7.5Value: 10.0Quality: 6.0
Piotroski: 6/9Altman Z: 1.17

MDT

Buy

56

out of 100

Grade: C

Growth: 4.0Profit: 6.5Value: 7.3Quality: 5.0
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

CSCOUndervalued (+37.1%)

Margin of Safety

+37.1%

Fair Value

$130.10

Current Price

$81.83

$48.27 discount

UndervaluedFair: $130.10Overvalued
MDTSignificantly Overvalued (-255.7%)

Margin of Safety

-255.7%

Fair Value

$24.34

Current Price

$87.89

$63.55 premium

UndervaluedFair: $24.34Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

CSCO5 strengths · Avg: 8.6/10
Market CapQuality
$319.49B10/10

Mega-cap, among the largest globally

Return on EquityProfitability
23.7%9/10

Every $100 of equity generates 24 in profit

Operating MarginProfitability
24.9%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 24.9%

EPS GrowthGrowth
31.2%8/10

Earnings expanding 31.2% YoY

Free Cash FlowQuality
$1.50B8/10

Generating 1.5B in free cash flow

MDT4 strengths · Avg: 8.3/10
Market CapQuality
$110.62B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Price/BookValuation
2.3x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Operating MarginProfitability
20.0%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 20.0%

Free Cash FlowQuality
$2.30B8/10

Generating 2.3B in free cash flow

Areas to Watch

CSCO2 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
P/E RatioValuation
29.1x4/10

Moderate valuation

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
1.172/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

MDT1 concerns · Avg: 2.0/10
EPS GrowthGrowth
-11.8%2/10

Earnings declined 11.8%

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : CSCO

The strongest argument for CSCO centers on Market Cap, Return on Equity, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 18.8% and operating margin at 24.9%. PEG of 1.32 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

Bull Case : MDT

The strongest argument for MDT centers on Market Cap, Price/Book, Operating Margin.

Bear Case : CSCO

The primary concerns for CSCO are P/E Ratio, Altman Z-Score.

Bear Case : MDT

The primary concerns for MDT are EPS Growth.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

CSCO profiles as a mature stock while MDT is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.

CSCO carries more volatility with a beta of 0.83 — expect wider price swings.

CSCO is growing revenue faster at 9.7% — sustainability is the question.

MDT generates stronger free cash flow (2.3B), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

CSCO scores higher overall (70/100 vs 56/100), backed by strong 18.8% margins. Both earn "Strong Buy" and "Buy" ratings respectively — the choice depends on your investment horizon and risk tolerance.

This analysis is generated from publicly available financial data. Not financial advice.

Cisco Systems Inc

TECHNOLOGY · COMMUNICATION EQUIPMENT · USA

Cisco Systems, Inc. is an American multinational technology conglomerate headquartered in San Jose, California, in the center of Silicon Valley. Cisco develops, manufactures and sells networking hardware, software, telecommunications equipment and other high-technology services and products. Through its numerous acquired subsidiaries, such as OpenDNS, Webex, Jabber and Jasper, Cisco specializes in specific tech markets, such as the Internet of Things (IoT), domain security and energy management. On January 25, 2021, Cisco reincorporated in Delaware.

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Medtronic PLC

HEALTHCARE · MEDICAL DEVICES · USA

Medtronic plc is an American-Irish registered medical device company that primarily operates in the United States. Medtronic has an operational and executive headquarters in Fridley, Minnesota in the US.

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